A PENSIONER plied schoolgirls with drink and cigarettes and gave them cash if they allowed him to perform sex acts on them, a court heard.

Bolton Crown Court was told 81-year-old Miklos Szabo, who was aged 79 at the time of the alleged offences, befriended two 14-year-olds and a 15-yearold girl who would visit his Bolton flat, sometimes while still in their school uniforms.

Andrew Smith, prosecuting, said the two 14-year-olds agreed to the pensioner paying them for sexual favours towards the end of 2008. On January 5, 2009 they took a 15- year-old friend with them.

Mr Smith said: “He was using these young girls as prostitutes. That, however, is no excuse. They were, in fact, children.

“The defendant knew their ages and he took advantage of them. He chose to engage in these acts for his own sexual gratification.”

Szabo, whose address cannot be revealed for legal reasons, has pleaded not guilty to nine counts of sexual activity with children.

The case continues.